A species of kiwi has been relocated to part of Kaurangi National Park in Nelson where the native bird was thought to have become all but extinct.
Seven male and five female great spotted kiwi have been released in the park's Flora Valley.
The Department of Conservation has praised the Friends of Flora community group for working over the past decade to trap predators over a 5000km area for the kiwi's return.
The group's fundraising efforts included a walk the length of the South Island by member Des Lehndorf.
Friends of Flora chairperson Maryann Ewers says the birds have been fitted with radio transmitters so they can be monitored.
